The Union of Trainee Nurses and Midwives, Ghana (UTNMG), has accused the government of neglecting the financial well-being of nursing and midwifery students, many of whom are struggling due to 19 months of unpaid allowances. Despite the recent payment of three months' worth of allowances, the Union insists this does little to alleviate the severe financial challenges trainees face.
The UTNMG expressed disappointment with Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, disputing his claims of consistent allowance payments to nursing and midwifery students. They pointed out that the GHC219 million released in June was inadequate and paled compared to the support teacher trainees receive, including subsidized feeding and flexible fees.
The Union highlighted the growing financial burden on trainees, with feeding fees now reaching GHC1,800 per semester and admission fees increasing to between GHC6,000 and GHC9,000 since 2021. This is happening against the backdrop of inadequate infrastructure, even as enrollment has risen by 50%. Some students have faced penalties for failing to pay their fees on time, further exacerbating their hardships.
The UTNMG warned that the government's failure to address these issues could have far-reaching consequences for Ghana’s healthcare system. They argued that such neglect risks making nursing and midwifery training accessible only to the wealthy, undermining the profession's accessibility and diversity. This could further strain the country's already overburdened healthcare system, especially as it depends heavily on newly trained nurses and midwives.
The Union called on the government to prioritize the immediate payment of all outstanding allowance arrears. They also demanded a reduction in the cost of training and equitable resource distribution across healthcare and education sectors. Additionally, the UTNMG urged authorities to address the disparities between nursing trainees and their teacher trainee counterparts, advocating for similar financial support structures.
In a strong statement, the Union warned of potential political repercussions if their grievances remain unaddressed. “It’s time for the government to take responsibility,” the Union declared. “We cannot stand by while trainees are neglected.”
The UTNMG’s demands underscore the urgent need for government intervention to ensure that nursing and midwifery training remains affordable and accessible. The Union's warnings highlight the risk of further destabilizing Ghana’s healthcare system if the financial challenges of trainees continue to go unaddressed.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0